Nicosia expects €2 million for repairs to dangerous buildings

The Nicosia District Development and Management Organisation expects to receive around €2 million to address safety hazards in buildings declared unsafe.

As the organisation’s head, Konstantinos Yorkatzis, said, it is currently awaiting instructions from the Ministry of the Interior on how to apply for the funds.

The €2 million was previously allocated to Nicosia Municipality from the Border Areas Recovery Fund. Following the local government reform, responsibility for dealing with dangerous buildings was transferred to the Nicosia district organisation, along with the corresponding budget.

Meanwhile, the municipality and the district organisation are conducting joint inspections of the buildings. Their responsibilities differ: the municipality deals with sanitation issues and other violations, while the district organisation is directly responsible for the safety and technical condition of the buildings.

According to the updated register, there are 656 dangerous buildings across the Nicosia district, along with another 55 buildings requiring repairs. The Nicosia municipal district contains 171 dangerous buildings and 28 properties in need of repairs.

Official letters have already been sent to the owners of buildings declared dangerous or in need of repairs, requiring them to take the necessary measures.

In addition, the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) has established a special tripartite committee to provide advice on the reports concerning buildings declared dangerous by experts. This should help resolve disputed cases without resorting to court proceedings.